The dearly departed

Tribute to the dearly departed, Elder and Sister Moon

When we arrived in Kinshasa six months ago we met all of the couples one at a time as they hosted us for dinner while we acquired the necessary stuff to make a meal. Our situation was also complicated because the truck assigned to us was "totaled" earlier the same day we arrived. We were chauffeured around by missionary couples until a "suitable" replacement vehicle was found, which took about a week. As Elder Moon was taking us to church he also tutored us on how to "drive" here. I remember the counsel he gave to "stay in the middle lane". It has proved to be the best advice (the police seem to "work" the left lane and the far right on the big boulevard. All the couples were generous and provided enough food that we could "survive" (we actually thrived).

Our apartment is "5A" and the Moons' apartment was "5B". They have been constant in their friendship, sharing and service to us. We shared many a meal at their table as well as great conversations and testimonies.

The Moons left on Thursday the 16th of January at 5 PM (the departure time was 11 PM but it is always good to be "early" because traffic jams and tedious procedures at the airport can fill that "extra" time.) The Moons' were a little late returning to "the compound" and we were all waiting to say goodbye. They had been to their office to complete last-minute items and to help the new couple, the Johnsons, with details of the humanitarian program which had been their work for eighteen months. We sent them on their way with a rousing rendition of "Called to Serve" part in English and part in French.

Our memories of the Moons include chocolate cake. Sister Moon shared some of her chocolate cake, to die for. Elder Moon is a great bread maker and their lasting legacy is showing us where to buy freshly ground wheat flour.

 

Their Congo experiences spanned the emotional continuum from joy to fear, being towed by the police with them inside their vehicle, seeing how water projects bless the lives of people in remote areas, how more newborn babies survive because the hospital personnel have been trained to perform resuscitation to clear air passages, how wheelchairs can bless many, vegetable gardens and many more projects.

The last day was their signature. They served faithfully until Thierry's  truck was headed out the gate to the airport. (Thierry is the Fleet Manager for the Church in Kinshasa).

Bless them, they will be missed.